Fall Shorebird Stewarding Starting Up!

I am excited to tell you that Fall Shorebird Stewarding Starts This Weekend!

Like last winter, we will alternate between Bunche Beach and Fort Myers Beach, depending on the tide, because the mudflat at Bunche is only exposed if the tide is less than half a foot.

Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experts, and it is free! This is a great opportunity for new birders to learn shorebird ID, and to meet other people who love birds!

Please, bring a friend, bring a neighbor, bring a coworker, bring a family member- everyone is welcome!

Bring binoculars or a camera if you would like, and be prepared to get your feet wet on the mudflat. Shoes are recommended to protect your feet from possible hurricane debris or sharp shells in the mud. Bring water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc.

As always, I will have the spotting scope to share, and one extra pair of binoculars to pass around.

I would love to have volunteers to fill a few different rolls:

1. Note taker- you get to hold the clipboard and record our data!

2. Bird ID - pick a bird you are comfortable with, and give me the count at each station.

3. Photographer - take pictures of the birds, and the group, for us to share on social media

4. Public Relations - educate people on the beach who look like they are wondering what we are doing- Invite them to join us!

October dates: Sunday October 1, Bunche Beach 8am Sunday October 8, Fort Myers Beach, time and location TBD Saturday October 14th, Fort Myers Beach, time and location TBD Sunday October 15th- Field Trip! Hawk Watch at the Sanibel Light House, 8am Sunday October 29th, Bunche Beach 8am

RSVP by emailing leeshorebirdsteward@gmail.com so I know who to expect in the parking lot.

Our Fort Myers Beach locations are TBD because there is construction occuring on the beach, so I will need to scope out our spot each week. RSVP and I will let you know where to park. Let me know if there is any interest in doing a sunset walk on Fort Myers Beach, maybe we can switch it up sometimes :)

Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AudubonSWFL

I have been posting on there daily, and I made Events for all our stewarding and field trip dates!

Our successful work is noted on page 4 of the current issue of the Audubon Florida Natualist!

Looking forward to seeing you soon! Please reach out if you have any questions, suggestions, or anything else!

Robin Serne

Audubon of Southwest Florida Lee Winter Shorebird Stewardship Coordinator LeeShorebirdSteward@gmail.com 919-649-7158